Camperdown courtyard - indoor/outdoor living

Ashleigh Lane

This Fire Pit patio uses tumbled molded brick pavers. The surface is supported on the low side of the area by a seat wall with a cool rockfaced coping. Dan Wells

Secluded garden with Fireplace

Karen Rogers at KR Garden Design

caroline mardon

Pelican Bay - Cinnabar Design

PBS Contractors

Rick Bethem

Lawler Park

AquaTerra Outdoors

This compact pool maximizes the small backyard with all the features of a larger backyard. Photography: Wade Griffith

MAISON CONTEMPORAINE BIOCLIMATIQUE

JOSE MARCOS MAÎTRE D'OEUVRE

TERRASSE

Sharpsville

New Beginnings Landscape Inc.

After

Ryan Pieszchala

Cascade Outdoor Design

Palo Alto garden

Sycamore Design

Northern Beaches House

Point 2 Design

A vibrant transition from indoors to outdoors, with a relaxed, beachy feel. Perfect for alfresco dining. Styled and shot for Home Beautiful magazine. Photography by http://brigidarnott.com.au

Screened porch and Outdoor Kitchen 2

Artistic Concrete Surfaces

Lindsey Denny

Luna Fire pit

Sticks and Stones Furniture

The Luna, our newest fire pit design features a round top and base. For use outdoors, the Luna can be fuelled with propane, or natural gas. Take the Luna inside with an ethanol burner! David Fournier Photography

Waunakee Walkout

Four of Six Landscape

Country Chic

Solicanada

Owings Mills Outdoor Living Environment

Robert Kutner Architect

Upon completion of a successful Master Suite and Home Office addition with Kutner Architect Builder Remodeler, the clients requested a major outdoor living space with a kitchen, patio area to entertain and a full court basketball sport court for the growing family of athletes. The rear yard was a steep slope and had to be terraced to accomplish the design of a viewing area above the sport court with a retaining wall made of Hanover Architectural Products, Chapel Wall, creating the focal point with a fire pit, surrounding bench and stainless steel outdoor grill. Robert Kutner, Architect and Photographer

ipe bench with storage

Dion City Landscapes, Inc

[Stone Box Bright Grey 6"x36"] Escape to a luxurious retreat that is right in your backyard with beautiful tile from Ceramic Tile Design. CTD is a family owned business with a showroom and warehouse in both San Rafael and San Francisco. Our showrooms are staffed with talented teams of Design Consultants. Whether you already know exactly what you want or have no knowledge of what's possible we can help your project exceed your expectations. To achieve this we stock the best Italian porcelain lines in a variety of styles and work with the most creative American art tile companies to set your project apart from the rest. Our warehouses not only provide a safe place for your order to arrive but also stock a complete array of all the setting materials your contractor will need to complete your project saving him time and you, money. The warehouse staff is knowledgeable and friendly to help make sure your project goes smoothly.

Contemporary Patio Design Ideas

A patio is a paved outdoor area that adjoins a house, and is a popular addition to Australian and New Zealand homes. Not only is it yet another place to enjoy the great outdoors, but it can also save you time and money on landscaping. Often seen as an extension of the indoor living space, contemporary patios and courtyards can serve multiple functions. If you add outdoor furniture such as lounge chairs and a sofa, a barbecue or outdoor kitchen and a dining table and chairs, you can use them for entertaining, cooking, dining, and relaxing. Browse the Photos on Houzz for courtyard and patio designs to see how you can best utilise your existing outdoor area.

What materials should I use to construct my patio?

Stone pavers and bricks are the most common surface materials used for patios, while concrete, tiles and gravel are also popular. Stone paving is usually at the top end of the price bracket, but is highly durable and the most natural-looking of the surface materials available. Brick patios, on the other hand, are relatively easy to lay, and provide a warm, rich colour that can complement traditional homes. Concrete patios are one of the least expensive to build and are also very durable, while gravel is quick and easy to install. You will also need to decide whether you want your contemporary patio covered or left uncovered. You can add roofing if you plan on using the space regularly, or opt for a pergola, trellis or umbrella for shade instead. Patio enclosures, usually made from glass or mesh screens, can also transform your space into an outdoor room.

What outdoor patio furniture and decor should I include?

A contemporary patio can be so much more than just a paved slab, if you add the right additions. An outdoor kitchen and bar will help make the space the life of the party, while high-quality, low-slung chairs will make you want to stay outside for longer. If you have the budget, you may even consider adding a spa or pool. To make it the ideal al fresco area even when temperatures drop, a fire pit or fireplace will be able to keep you and your company toasty warm. To entice you and your guests into the space, make some room for greenery, even if you just a place a pot plant atop a table. It will help tie in the area to the surrounding garden. Fairy lights, garden torches and citronella candles will also help set the mood and keep the mozzies at bay, while soft furnishings such as waterproof rugs, pillows and chair cushions will add personality. For something striking, consider adding a water feature or wall garden. If you're ready to hire a landscape professional to help you with the job, browse our directory here!